Specialist inspections
Mould inspections
An independent, visual inspection for visible mould and signs of moisture in a home. We explain the likely causes in plain language and set out practical next steps, so you can deal with the source and not just the surface.
Illustration. Not an actual property or real inspection work.
- Owners and occupiers who have noticed mould, a musty smell or damp patches and want to understand why.
- Rental providers, property managers and renters who want an independent record of visible mould and moisture.
- Buyers who noticed mould or damp at an open inspection and want a closer look.
- Owners who have had a leak or water damage and want to know where moisture is still showing.
- Anyone whose mould keeps coming back after cleaning.
- Accessible areas inside the home, for visible mould, staining and damp patches on walls, ceilings, floors, windows and in cupboards.
- Signs of where moisture may be coming from, such as condensation, roof or gutter leaks, plumbing leaks, water getting in around windows, or damp coming up from the ground.
- Ventilation in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and the subfloor, such as exhaust fans and vents.
- The roof space and subfloor, where there is safe and reasonable access.
- Outside the home: gutters, downpipes, drainage and ground levels against walls that can let moisture in.
- A written report describing where visible mould and signs of moisture were observed at the time of the inspection.
- Photos supporting key observations.
- Likely causes, explained in plain language, based on what could be seen.
- Practical next steps, such as fixing a leak, improving ventilation, or having a licensed plumber, roofer or other tradesperson look at the source.
- A clear list of areas that couldn't be inspected, and why.
Tell us where you've seen mould or damp, when you first noticed it, and whether it changes with the seasons or the weather.
If you need to clean before the inspection, take photos first. Otherwise, where practical, leave affected areas as they are until after the inspection, so the pattern can be seen.
Share anything you know about past leaks, water damage, repairs or earlier reports.
Arrange access to the affected rooms, wet areas, the roof space and the subfloor. If the home is rented, agree on access with the renter or rental provider first.
Can’t see your question? Send an enquiry and we’ll come back to you.
More detail
More about mould inspections
How it works
Tell us about the property and what you've noticed: where the mould or damp is, how long it's been there and whether it changes with the weather. We'll confirm the scope and provide a quote. On the day, we look at the affected areas and the rest of the home in scope, including wet areas, the roof space and the subfloor where they can be reached safely, and outside for places moisture may be getting in. You receive a written report with photos, likely causes and practical next steps.
Mould follows moisture
Mould needs moisture to grow. In Melbourne homes, common sources include condensation on cold walls and windows in winter, bathrooms and laundries without enough ventilation, roof and gutter leaks, plumbing leaks, and damp coming up from the ground or through walls. Cleaning removes what you can see, but mould tends to return while the moisture is still there.
That's why the inspection looks as closely at the likely source as at the mould itself. Knowing the likely cause helps you decide who to call, whether that's a plumber, a roofer or someone to improve ventilation.
Mould in rental properties
For a rental property, a mould inspection gives a dated, photo-supported record of visible mould and moisture, and of the likely causes. Rental providers, property managers and renters can then talk about repairs with the same information in front of them. Victoria has minimum standards for rental properties, and the official renting guidance explains what applies. The report isn't legal advice.
For a room-by-room record of a rental's overall condition, see Rental inspections.
What this inspection is not
It isn't a health or medical assessment, a statutory inspection, or a promise that a home is free of mould. It can't see inside walls, under floor coverings or behind fixed cabinetry, and mould can come back if the moisture that feeds it isn't dealt with.
Learn with VicWide
Showing 3 topics
Inspections
What should I do before the inspection?
Good access makes for a more complete inspection. This topic covers arranging keys and permission, clearing the way to key areas, and gathering documents that help explain the property.
Key points 5
- Confirm access with the owner, agent or renter, and arrange keys ahead of the day.
- Make sure the roof space access, subfloor access, meter box and outbuildings can be reached.
- Secure pets and mention anything that could affect safe access.
- Have plans, permits, certificates or previous reports ready to share.
- Areas that can't be reached safely are recorded as limitations in the report.
Related service: Building & pest inspections
Inspections
How do I read an inspection report?
An inspection report records what was observed at the time of the inspection, where it was observed, and what couldn't be inspected. This topic walks through a typical report structure and how to use it when you talk with builders, agents or other advisers.
Key points 5
- A report describes observations at the time of the inspection. Conditions can change afterwards.
- Read the scope and limitations first, so you know what was and wasn't inspected.
- Observations are grouped by area, so you can find what matters to your decision.
- A report is not a certificate of compliance, a warranty or an insurance policy.
- If something isn't clear, ask us to explain it in plain language.
Related service: Compliance & reporting
Rentals
How should rental providers and property managers record a property's condition?
Clear, dated records of a rental property's condition help owners, rental providers and property managers keep track of the property over time. This topic covers routine and pre-tenancy condition records, good photo practice, and where Victoria's rental minimum standards fit in.
Key points 5
- Victoria has minimum standards for rental properties. Check the official renting guidance for what applies.
- Record condition before a tenancy begins and at routine inspections, with dated photos.
- Describe what you see room by room, in plain and neutral language.
- Keep condition records together with repair invoices and compliance paperwork.
- A condition record isn't legal advice. Seek advice about disputes or legal obligations.
Related service: Rental inspections
Ready when you are
Enquire about mould inspections
Tell us about the property. We confirm the scope and a quote with you before anything is arranged.